Title: Mumbai Airport Experiences Surge in Rejected Check-in Baggage Due to Prohibited Items

Subtitle: Passengers Unaware of Risks Posed by Banned Items

Date: Fri 27 Oct 2023, 6:00 AM

Mumbai International Airport has seen a significant rise in the rate at which check-in baggage is being declined, as passengers continue to carry items that are banned. The upcoming festival season and the influx of visitors to the UAE is expected to further exacerbate this issue. With the India-UAE air corridor being one of the busiest routes, it is crucial for passengers to be aware of prohibited items to ensure flight safety.

Among the frequently found items in check-in baggage are dry coconut (copra), fireworks, flares, party poppers, matches, paint, fire camphor, ghee, pickles, and other oily food items. Additionally, e-cigarettes, lighters, power banks, and spray bottles are among the top culprits. Many passengers remain unaware of the potential risks these items pose to flight safety, including fire hazards, explosions, and interference with the aircraft’s electrical systems.

Dry coconut, in particular, has become a cause for concern, with 943 instances of it being discovered in passengers’ check-in bags in just one month last year. Due to the high oil content in dry coconut, it is highly flammable and can cause fires if subjected to heat inside the aircraft. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) added dry coconut to the list of prohibited items in March 2022, yet many passengers are still unaware of this inclusion.

Dubai, London, and Abu Dhabi continue to be the most popular international destinations from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), with passenger traffic from these destinations surpassing 1.1 million in the third quarter of this year, a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Given that the UAE is home to over 3.5 million non-resident Indians and a significant number of tourists, it is crucial for passengers to adhere to the guidelines set by airports and airlines regarding prohibited items.

The rejection rate of check-in baggage has been on the rise, reaching 0.73% in May, up from 0.31% in December 2022. Mumbai Airport’s baggage system is equipped to handle a substantial capacity of 9,600 bags per hour at Terminal 2 and 4,800 bags per hour at Terminal 1, with an approximate 8-kilometre baggage belt.

Passengers traveling through Mumbai International Airport are advised to follow the check-in baggage screening process. After handing over their bags to the airline counters, bags are transported on blue conveyor belts and undergo X-ray scanning. Trained security personnel review the scanned X-ray images within seconds to determine if the bags are clear to proceed.

Mumbai Airport emphasizes the importance of passenger awareness regarding prohibited and dangerous items. While the emotional significance of certain religious items during festive periods is understood, it is crucial to prioritize safety and security when traveling. Passengers are urged to familiarize themselves with the guidelines issued by airports and airlines to ensure a smooth and secure journey.